Wednesday, June 30, 2010

American Greetings Corporation has introduced its latest innovation in the card aisle: greeting cards with a song download from iTunes. Through the innovative offering, American Greetings is bringing the country's #1 music retailer to the card aisle, and helping consumers put the gift of music into the greetings they send. The complete line includes 36 cards, each with a code redeemable for a song download from iTunes. There are also eight gift card holders that can be used to send any iTunes gift card. Having both options available creates the perfect solution for any shopper who wants to send a card with a little something extra, or one who wants to personalize a great gift with a fun greeting. "From our research, we already knew that consumers loved the pairing of music and greeting cards, and we wanted to elevate the overall experience," said Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "By giving someone a card with a gift that empowers them to choose their own song, you make the connection even more personal and enjoyable, which is what sending a card is all about." Consumers can find the new cards with a song download from iTunes, at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. For more information, including store locations in your area, you can visit the following sites:

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Following a series of sellout European shows, Canadian superstar Michael Bublé continues his phenomenal ability to fill arenas for his "Crazy Love" summer tour in the midst of reports of low ticket sales for many of this summer's concerts. The Grammy winning Bublé returns to the US beginning June 22nd, in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the second leg of his "Crazy Love" tour which will play 21 markets ending August 28th in Las Vegas. The tour is expected to be a complete sell-out. "In the current climate of summer tours, Michael Bublé is a shining star," stated "Crazy Love"'s national tour promoter Don Fox of Beaver Productions. "With Michael's following including such a wide demographic span along with the amazing reviews of this show around the world, this is surely going to become one of the biggest tours in the US this summer," he concluded. "It was sensational, positively sensational... The sort of superstar-solidifying show you just know they'll be talking about 25 years and more from now," raved the Orange County Register. "What truly separates this king from all the other pretenders to the throne is the live show... For it's on the concert stage that Bublé shines the brightest," said the San Jose Mercury News. Tickets for Bublé's tour in three Texas markets of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio sold out in 30 minutes. The first leg of the month long "Crazy Love" tour which began March 12th of this year was also a total sell out and was seen by a quarter of a million Michael Bublé fans. Three new dates have been added to the tour including Sacramento on August 24th, San Diego on August 27th and the closing show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Bublé, a multi-Grammy winner has been riding high with the multi-platinum success of "Crazy Love" which has remained on the Billboard Pop Charts since its No. 1 debut 37 weeks ago and has held the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts since its release. "Haven't Met You Yet," the Bublé penned current single, remains a staple at pop radio.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Herbie Hancock's The Imagine Project is an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between music legend Herbie Hancock and a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. It utilizes the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility. The Imagine Project embodies an extraordinary lineup of international superstars from all corners of the world. Artists include Dave Matthews, Anoushka Shankar, Jeff Beck, The Chieftains, John Legend, India Arie, Seal, Pink, Juanes, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Chaka Khan, K'Naan, Wayne Shorter, James Morrison, and Lisa Hannigan. The album and film stands, on one level, as powerful testaments for the goals of world peace, humanity and tolerance, and respect for our planet, but The ImagineProject shall remain at its core, entertainment content that is creatively and emotionally deeply fulfulling.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

June 25th, the day that rocked the music world with the tragic death of the King Of Pop, will mark a day of celebration of the life of Michael Jackson with the release of Never Can Say Goodbye, a fitting title to this thoughtful collection of past to present Jackson hits from contemporary jazz pioneer, Pianist/Arranger Bob Baldwin and speaks of the sentiment felt by millions of fans worldwide. Radio promotions as well as a pre-produced radio special, will be made available for broadcast on June 25th across the terrestrial, satellite, internet jazz radio spectrum, including Baldwin’s own “NewUrbanJazz” Lounge' radio program.

Having received the blessing of the Jackson estate, and as a follow up to previous Jackson hits on previous discs, Never Can Say Goodbye is the first jazz record to pay homage to MJ and boasts a sterling handpicked collection of Jackson classics served up Baldwin style. This stirring and feel good tribute to all the man was and the influence he had across the musical spectrum, features original Baldwin reads on the early Jackson 5 hit, 'I ll Be There', Jackson and McCartney s 'The Girl Is Mine', the laid back and soul drenched 'Lady In My Life' (from the 'Thriller' vaults) to the funky side with unique touches on 'Bad' and the Gamble and Huff classic 'Let Me Show You The Way Go', and the highly infectious title track, featuring a cameo appearance from new Fourplay guitarist Chuck Loeb. "She's Out of My Life" gets the Nashville treatment, with the soulful guitar riffs ushered in by Special Efx staple Chieli Minucci. The personal Baldwin tribute "Prodigious" is soulful and sensitive, much like his approach to the entire project, while "Don't Say Goodbye" is haunting and reflective.

Baldwin was not a late-comer to the fanfare of Michael Jackson. "In 2000, it was time to give MJ his kudos", says the NY native. "I grew up listening to 'Never Can Say Goodbye' as a kid and watching the J5 on the Ed Sullivan Show, so he was in the fabric of my musical pop life, in between listening to Duke Ellington and Miles. Quincy really elevated his sense of harmony and you heard it in his later work". Baldwin also released "I Wanna Be Where You Are" in 2004 after recorded the song in Ipanema with some of his Brazilian compadres, so in many ways, the seed was already planted. A week or so following his death, my associate Brenda Hazel suggested I just finish the MJ thought and go full circle. We had to get the business straight, however, so getting the Jackson estate blessing was a real honor". Collaborating with Trippin' N Rhythm will bring this project full circle, which is also an honor.

Baldwin is no stranger to tributes and kudo efforts as his 2nd Haiti effort, the "2010 Jazz For Haiti" benefit concert has led to a worldwide collaboration with the American Red Cross to further assist that tragedy. Goodbye, should do well to invigorate Baldwin’s massive legion of fans across the world as he continues to look forward, but not without keeping an eye on and honoring those who influenced his past. It's the "Feelgood" album of 2010 indeed.

Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson Track List
Bad (feat. Ragan Whiteside)
Human Nature
The Girl Is Mine (feat. Steve Oliver)
I Can’t Help it
I’ll Be There
Prodigious
I Wanna Be Where You Are
Lady In My Life
Let Me Show You (feat. Joey Sommerville)
She’s Out of My Life (feat. Chieli Minucci)
Don’t Say Goodbye
Never Can Say Goodbye (feat. Chuck Loeb)

Friday, June 25, 2010

Not only does Angela Bofill have a new song out, but she is now set for her first stage appearance since 2005! Angela’s newest release is the song “All This Time,” which was recorded in Philadelphia three months prior to her stroke in 2005. You can download the song at her website http://www.angelabofill.com/. I first heard it on Solar Radio and it’s definitely one that you want to add to your collection. Angela is also scheduled for her first stage appearance and although she will not be singing, it will certainly be an entertaining show entitled “The Angela Bofill Experience” as told by Angel and sung by Maysa. The show will be a narrative and musical presentation of the songs most relevant to her career. Beginning with video of her days in Central Park and peppered with footage from her appearances on The American Music Awards, with Michael Jackson, The Tonight Show, and Soul Train. Angela will be doing on-stage narratives about the songs, along with humorous anecdotes. In addition, good friend Dave Valentin will be a part of the sow serving up some inside dialogue, as well as playing his flute. The incredible Maysa (from Incognito), will grace the stage with her vocal portrayal of Angela. The opening of the show will mark her first public appearance since her stroke in 2005, and it will take place at The Razz Room in San Francisco, from July 22 – 25. To add to the excitement, of the four night engagement, special guests and friends (including Phil Perry and Norman Connors), will also be performing. After the show, Angela will meet and greet her fans to personally thank them for their support. Other dates scheduled include Detroit on July 28, and a special sailing of The Smooth Cruise aboard The Spirit of New York on October 8. You can listen to Angela’s first interview since her second stroke at www.hinesite5.com. This interview was conducted by longtime radio personality Rosetta Hines of WJZZ Radio in Detroit.

Carlos Santana’s next album release, Santana's first since All That I Am in 2005 is due out in September and is not yet titled. The track list is being finalized as well, but during sessions Santana reunited with "Smooth" partner Rob Thomas on Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and worked with Joe Cocker on Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," Scott Weiland on the Rolling Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," Chris Daughtry on Def Leppard's "Photograph," Soundgarden's Chris Cornell on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Papa Roach`s Jacoby Shaddix on Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and Nas, who lays down rhymes on AC/DC's "Back in Black." Santana chose half of the songs while Davis picked the other half. While he considers ever song "incredible," Santana says his very favorite is the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which he recorded with India.Arie and cellist Yo Yo Ma. He recalls that, "I sent the song to George Harrison's widow, Olivia, and I got back an email that says, 'Carlos, I listened to the song and I started crying and jumping with joy at the same time. And I want you to know that George really loved you, because he understood your passion for compassion.' And I was like, 'Bam!' that's like George Harrison himself, through his beautiful wife, validating my existence and what I did with that song." Santana plans to preview some of the covers during his upcoming summer tour with Steve Winwood, which gets under way June 30 in Saint Paul, Minn. He also plans to have Winwood "join my band" for collaborations he hopes are "totally different" than what fans might expect. After the summer tour with Winwood, Santana is returning to Las Vegas in August for his second residency at the Hard Rock Hotel. Santana is touring Europe in Sept. and Oct., including a stop at London's O2 Arena. In addition, Santana also has another album ready to go as well, an all-instrumental set called Shape Shifter that he recorded with his band and he plans to release after the next album has run its course.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Concord Records has announced the release of I've Loved These Days, the latest album from vocalist and double-Grammy nominee, Monica Mancini. I've Loved These Days is an 11-track collection of classic 60s songs and an opportunity for Monica to collaborate with her musical heroes, many of whom are featured on the album. I've Loved These Days was produced by famed producer Phil Ramone and his producing partner Gregg Field. Ramone, who produced a number of the original recordings, hand picked world-class musicians to surround Monica and her guests that he knew could bring a contemporary perspective to these classic songs. On I've Loved These Days, Mancini is also joined by an orchestra arranged and conducted by multi-Grammy winner Jorge Calandrelli, who also collaborated with Monica on a previous album, Cinema Paradiso. The gorgeously crafted collection of songs is by artists who had a profound impact on Monica's formative musical years, including Lennon & McCartney, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Jackson Browne, Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson, Billy Joel and Janis Ian. Joining Monica on "I've Loved These Days" are original composers Jackson Browne, offering guitar and vocal accompaniment on "These Days", Brian Wilson and the multi- Grammy winning vocal group Take 6 contributing vocals and arranging on "God Only Knows," Stevie Wonder harmonically duets on "Blame It On the Sun," and the Young Rascals', Felix Cavaliere provides B-3 organ accompaniment on his classic "How Can I Be Sure." "I'm beyond thrilled to have made this album and work with these artists and producers! For me, it's always about the songwriters and their songs" said Mancini. "As an artist, it has been an important project for very personal reasons and what I needed to do. I hope people will discover new meaning in the music as I have. This is my way of exploring my musical heroes and discovering what their songs continue to reveal."

I’ve Loved These Days Tracklisting:
1. The Days (4:31)
2. God Only Knows (3:15)
3. American Tune (4.27)
4. Blame It On The Sun (5:00)
5. How Can I Be Sure (3:39)
6. I’ll Follow The Sun (3:04)
7. Ballad Of The Sad Young Men (5:53)
8. Something So Right (3:46)
9. I’ve Loved These Days (3:04)
10. Joy (3:25)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Bassist Stanley Clarke’s new recording, The Stanley Clarke Band, is scheduled for release on June 15, 2010, on the Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, and the Roxboro Entertainment Group label. The album is produced by Clarke and Lenny White. Unlike his previous acoustic bass release, Clarke feels that this album’s music is new and different from just about anything he’s done before. The range of collaborative material here has allowed him to venture to new levels of experimentation utilizing his arsenal of bass instruments. If forced, he compares this new CD to the first three albums of his solo career on Nemperor Records, Journey To Love, Stanley Clarke and School Days, with long extended electric pieces – a kind of journey.

Also new for Clarke, the album is made up of compositions from members of the band. He is joined by Stanley Clarke Band keyboardist Ruslan Sirota and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr. – who have been performing and recording with him for the better part of five years. Innovative young musicians, they have virtually grown up in Clarke’s band and bring a freshness he admires. Following 2009’s Jazz In The Garden, this is featured artist Hiromi Uehara’s second Clarke recording collaboration. Clarke’s rugged and complex bass work serves as the ideal foil for her trademark fiery and expressive piano chops.

Featured artist, pianist Hiromi, is a huge star in Japan and quickly making her name here in the states as a performer and recording artist. Generally regarded as a solo artist, she shifts effortlessly into a band setting, says Clarke. “She doesn’t need to be on the stage with anybody else, because she’s a phenomenon on the piano,” he says. “But, she likes collaborating with other musicians. She can play faster than anybody, but she can really listen, and she’s right there with you.” Hiromi composed and performs “Labyrinth” on the album. She performs on several other tracks as well.

Acoustic pianist/composer/arranger Ruslan Sirota, a child prodigy now twenty-seven, has already traveled the world, playing with some of the biggest names in classical and pop music. Born in the Ukraine, he was exposed early in his youth to American Jazz and improvisation, and now shows an intelligence and understanding of the genre way beyond his years. “Ruslan is becoming a recognizable force in the music world,” Clarke notes. “He is one of the few musicians I’m aware of that knows a thousand songs. He has a unique understanding of the Jazz language.” On this album Ruslan brings an unparalleled contribution in piano performances, not only on keyboard but with his profound melodic techniques on the acoustic piano. On The Stanley Clarke Band he wrote “Soldiers” and performs on almost all tracks. Ruslan has a solo album coming out later this year that has him playing duets with renowned pianists Chick Corea and George Duke. It will be released by Roxboro Entertainment Group.

Ronald Bruner, Jr., also a twenty-seven year old child prodigy, is a second-generation drummer extraordinaire. His earliest influence was his father, Ronald Bruner, Sr., a world class drummer who has performed and recorded with Diana Ross, the Temptations and Gladys Knight. Clarke feels that Bruner is probably one of the most important young drummers on the scene today and compares his innovation, technique and skill to that of the legendary drummer Tony Williams. Although a dynamic fixture in Clarke’s touring band, Bruner has also performed with George Duke, Lee Ritenour, Suicidal Tendencies, Wayne Shorter and many more. Clarke observes, “drummers young and old look in Ronald’s direction and they are all taking noticed of this young power house.” Bruner co-wrote and arranged with Clarke “How’s the Weather Up There” for The Stanley Clarke Band. He is also finishing up his first solo album.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of The Stanley Clarke Band is the exceptionally organic nature of its genesis – the sense of grassroots creativity that existed outside of any efforts to tailor the music to any specific segment of the market.

This year The Stanley Clarke Band and Hiromi will be touring together domestically and internationally. Clarke concludes, “This is the last electric album I’m going to do for awhile. The legacy of this release is that I’m providing lots of material and homework for a new generation of bassists to catch up with. I’ve worked hard to give the bass a distinctive voice. Now with bass conventions, all types of bass accessories as well as hundreds of bass magazines and blogs, I feel so excited about where it’s going.”

Friday, June 18, 2010

Deep Forest will be making a rare and intimate performance at the Beehive in Boston, MA. Deep Forest is a musical group consisting of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. They compose a new kind of world music, sometimes called ethnic electronica, mixing ethnic with electronic sounds and dance beats or chillout beats. Their sound has been described as an "ethno-introspective ambient world music." They were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1993 for Best World Music Album, and in 1996 they won the Award for the album Boheme. The group also became World Music Awards Winner - French group with the highest 1995 world sales. Their albums have sold over 10 million copies.

The Beehive is an award-winning restaurant, art gallery and live music venue in Boston, MA, and will be making musical history during their 3rd Annual Bastille Day Celebration on July 14, 2010 from 5:30PM – 2:00AM. The Beehive's "Une nuit a Paris" Bastille Day celebration will host a special intimate performance by the Grammy award-winning band Deep Forest with special guest Thierry Eliez in support of their new Album Deep Africa. In addition to Deep Forest's performance, the Electro-Lounge Pop artist ElodieO will open the show! "We're delighted that Deep Forest is playing at our rather small venue in contrast to the stadiums they normally fill. But, this is pretty common for our establishment. We're the kind of place that you'll stop in and see a Grammy-award winning Jazz artist on a Tuesday night during dinner or you might look over and see one of the celebrities that frequent the restaurant and it just rolls out quietly without a bunch of hype. I think that is part of The Beehive's appeal," said Jack Bardy, Co-Owner of The Beehive. Festivities will begin at 5:30PM on the patio, and doors to The Beehive will open at 7:00PM for a truly amazing night of French music. Tickets to this 21+ event are only $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door (if available). The event is a cash bar with pay-as-you-go Parisian food.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Atlantic recording group Zero 7 has announced the details of their upcoming retrospective collection, Record. The album will be released July 13th. In compiling Record, Zero 7 - duo Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns have combed through their back catalogue to compile a track list spanning their extraordinary ten-year history, including such classic tracks as "Destiny," "Home," "Futures," "In The Waiting Line," and "Everything Up (Zizou)." What's more, a special digital deluxe edition of the album will include a collection of remixes and rarities personally selected by Hardaker and Binns. Childhood friends Binns and Hardaker began their musical career as sound engineers before teaming up as Zero 7 to produce remixes for the likes of Radiohead, N.E.R.D., Sneaker Pimps and Lambchop. In 2001 they captured the attention of music lovers around the world with their now-classic debut, Simple Things. That era-defining collection was followed by 2004's acclaimed second album, When It Falls, along with their contribution ("In The Waiting Line") to the Grammy-winning soundtrack of Garden State. The Garden followed in 2006, featuring guest vocals from such like-minded stars as Sia and José González. The album's inimitable brand of ambient soul earned Zero 7 a bounty of critical praise, not to mention a Grammy Award nomination as the year's "Best Electronic/Dance Album." Three years later, the duo returned with the bold Yeah Ghost, which featured a phalanx of guest vocalists, including singer/songwriters Eska and Martha Tilston, as well as a rare vocal from Binns himself on "Everything Up (Zizou)." Record is scehduled to be released on July 13.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

One of the biggest starts of smooth jazz, Gerald Albright has earned his reputation as a "musician's musician." Born in Los Angeles, he began piano lessons at an early age. Albright's love of music picked up considerably when he was given a saxophone that had belonged to his piano teacher. By the time he enrolled at the University of Redlands, he was already a polished saxophonist. Albright decided to switch to bass guitar after he saw Louis Johnson (Brothers Johnson) in concert. A few months after graduating from college, he joined jazz pianist/R&B singer Patrice Rushen, who was in the process of forming her own band. Later, when the bass player left in the middle of a tour, Albright replaced him and finished the tour on bass guitar. With many albums to his already impressive resume, Albright now releases Pushing The Envelope, due June 15 on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group. With it's polished soul/jazz vibe, Pushing TheEnvelope is a showcase for Albright's remarkably fine balance of songcraft and musicianship, and features special appearances by Fred Wesley on trombone, Earl Klugh on acoustic guitar and George Duke on acoustic piano. Produced and arranged by Albright, Pushing The Envelope provides the perfect opportunity for this master musician/saxophonist/songwriter to exhibit his skills. He plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, flutes, bass guitar, and keyboards, and also handles synthesizer, EWI and drum programming. Albright's band on most of the album includes keyboardists Tracy Carter and Luther "Mano" Hanes, guitarist Ricky Watford and drummer Ricky Lawson. The set opens with "What Would Jame Do?" an irresistibly soulful Albright original and a celebration of the legacy of "The Godfather of Soul." The track spotlights Albright's trademark strong chops on saxophone and bass, alongside the distinctive sound of Fred Wesley of the original J.B.'s on trombone.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Grammy winning artist and reggae musician Ziggy Marley, motivated by the historic occurrence of the World Cup being played in Africa for the first time, took the opportunity to write his current single "Africa Land." The song is an anthem to unity, freedom and new beginnings; well known principles championed by the legendary Marley family. "Africa Land" falls on the heels of Marley's 2009 Grammy-winning Children's album, "Family Time." For this song, Marley recruited Grammy winning artists, brother Stephen Marley and African mega star Angelique Kidjo. Together they created a catchy, danceable song, which incorporates Dancehall Reggae, as well as African elements. Free Downloads will be available beginning June 1st at http://www.ziggymarley.com/ and http://www.tuffgongworldwide.com/.

"The bible says 'the first shall be last and the last shall be first.' How fitting that South Africa – the last nation on the homeland to be free – is the launch pad for a global event that will showcase the rise of the African continent," said Ziggy Marley. "Africa Land is the song which celebrates that dream becoming true." Marley plans to release "Africa Land" as an exclusive to African radio, to be followed worldwide as a free download shortly thereafter. "Africa Land" will be the first single from an upcoming collection of free singles entitled The Wild and Free Singles Marley is to release later this year.

Ziggy Marley's early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father. Then, as front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, Marley released eight best-selling albums, generating three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down." Marley's solo debut, Dragonfly, was released in 2003. His second solo release, Love Is My Religion, won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album to much critical acclaim in 2006. His third solo release, Family Time, scored him a Grammy in a new category: Best Musical Album For Children.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Joan Armatrading is returning to North America this summer by kicking off her visit with an appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival (July 5). She'll perform songs from her new recording This Charming Life on a nationwide tour beginning July 7th. Described by the Boston Phoenix as "possibly her most electric album in her nearly 40-year career...Armatrading at her most enthusiastic and self-assured"—the new recording is the follow up to her much lauded foray into blues rock traditions, the Grammy-nominated 2007 "Into The Blues." A return to her unique style—a blend of rock, pop, R&B, blues and jazz, This Charming Life is bursting with a joyous energy. The title track achieved #1 Most-Added status at AC Radio this week according to FMQB. All eleven of the new tracks were written, arranged, produced and performed by Armatrading. This Charming Life is available now on 429 Records which is distributed by Universal/Fontana in the U.S. and
Universal Music in Australia and will be available June 29 in Canada on 429/Fontana North.

Long recognized as a pioneering force with a career spanning three decades, the Saint Kitts born Joan Armatrading has maintained an acclaimed and storied career. The three times Grammy nominated British artist has garnered countless accolades which include Top 10 albums and singles ("Love and Affection," "Willow," "Drop The Pilot," are but a few), not to mention a #1 debut atop the Billboard Blues chart in 2007 (a first for a female artist from the UK). She has made VH1's list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Rock, has been nominated for a Brit Award, gave a command performance for Nelson Mandela on his 70th birthday at Wembley Stadium, received an Honorary Degree from Birmingham University and the list goes on—truly a charmed life and career!

Friday, June 11, 2010

The radio station formerly known as Milwaukee's smooth-jazz outlet finally landed on a new format on Monday, June 7 as it flipped to country music. So far, it’s been billing itself as "Big Buck Country," playing songs from "country legends of the late '70s, '80s and early '90s," according to a statement issued by the station's owner, Milwaukee Radio Group. The station at 106.9 on the FM dial - which had the call letters WJZX but is now calling itself WNQW-FM - switched to the "country legends" format at 3 p.m. Monday, after playing an all-Beatles format as a filler since Wednesday. The all-Fab Four, all-the-time format followed a couple other stunt formats after the station dropped smooth jazz May 27. The first song played by the station in its new format: "Gone Country" by Alan Jackson. WNQW joins WOKY-AM (920), which also plays a "classic country" format, and WMIL-FM (106.1), vying for country-music listeners in the Milwaukee market.

Steve Cropper, guitarist for Booker T. and the MGs and one of the primary architects of the unmistakable Stax sound of the 1960s, and vocalist/keyboardist Felix Cavaliere, the voice of the Rascals and the pivotal figure in the blue-eyed soul movement of that same era, have reconvened for their second collaborative recording. Sparks fly at the crossroads of Memphis soul and East Coast R&B when Stax Records releases Midnight Flyer on June 15, 2010.

Midnight Flyer, recorded in Nashville and mixed by the legendary David Z, is the followup to Nudge It Up a Notch, the 2008 maiden voyage by Cropper and Cavaliere that scored critical acclaim from the music and mainstream press. The San Francisco Chronicle called Nudge It Up a Notch “an unexpected delight,” while Blues Wax heralded the project as “one of the great surprises of 2008, and further evidence of Concord’s genuine commitment to the revamped Stax imprint.”

The Stax legacy — and Concord’s commitment to it — are very much alive in Midnight Flyer, an album that once again showcases the songwriting prowess of two towering figures from one of the most seminal periods in the history of American pop music. Assisting with the songwriting throughout most of the album’s 12 tracks is drummer, percussionist, and vocalist Tom Hambridge, who also lent a hand with the crafting of the previous album.

“Felix and I come from pretty much the same musical school — but from different geographical locations,” says Cropper. “He’s a Jersey boy at heart, and I grew up in Memphis, but when soul meets soul, what can you say? There are no borders. There are no boundaries.”

But geography does play a role in the making of great songs, says Cavaliere. “Steve has that Southern vernacular, which is something I really like,” he says. “It’s almost like another language to those of us from the East Coast. It has a certain folky quality to it. Some of those idioms are part of the hit songs that Steve has written and recorded over the years, and they’re part of this record as well.”

The impact of both of these musicians and songwriters on pop music is nearly impossible to quantify. As part of Booker T. & the MGs — the house band for the Stax label in its original incarnation during the 1960s — Cropper co-wrote and produced classics by artists like Eddie Floyd (“Knock On Wood”), Wilson Pickett (“In the Midnight Hour”) and Otis Redding (“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”). In subsequent decades, he lent his instrumental and production skills to a range of artists including Jeff Beck, the Blues Brothers, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and many others.

Cavaliere came to prominence in the mid-’60s as vocalist/keyboardist/songwriter for the Rascals (initially known as the Young Rascals). Cavaliere wrote and/or sang several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Good Lovin’” (1966), “Groovin’” (1967), “It’s a Beautiful Morning” (1968) and “People Got To Be Free” (1968). The phrase “blue-eyed soul” was coined during the Rascals’ heyday, due in large part to the group’s highly successful forays into R&B and soul — styles that had been developed and previously dominated by African-American artists.

Co-produced by Cropper, Cavaliere and Hambridge, Midnight Flyer captures the synergy and brilliance that can only emerge when two powerful forces of nature come together. The result is a range of styles and shades, from heartfelt ballads like “When You’re With Me” to the soul-charged “I Can’t Stand It,” a churning vocal duet featuring Cavaliere and his daughter Aria. “Sexy Lady” harkens back to the soul stylings of the ’70s, while the funky instrumental “Do It Like This” digs into a tight groove and makes plenty of room for Cropper’s tasty riff work to close out the set.

“The main thing we both take away from this record is how much fun we had making it,” says Cavaliere. “We may have used a lot of new technology that didn’t even exist when Steve and I were recording back in the day, but the songs themselves are still the most important part of the process, and we just had a blast writing and recording them. I think that spirit comes through on the record.”

Cropper notes a timelessness about Cavaliere that serves as a metaphor for the music itself. “Felix is ageless,” he says. “Sure, you can look at him and see that he’s gotten older since those early days, just like we all have. But if you close your eyes, he sounds as young and energetic as he did when he was making records back in the ’60s . . . Working together on records like this reminds us of the kinds of things that go into the making of a good song. We’re still doing that, and we’re still having fun doing it.”

Friday, June 04, 2010

Songwriter Diane Warren, who has penned some of the most recognizable songs over the past 25 years, has joined forces with Grammy®-winning producer Humberto Gatica (Michael Buble, Celine Dion) and created Due Voci, featuring the magnificent voices of Kelly Levesque and Tyler Hamilton singing classic reinterpretations of Warren's many hits. Their self-titled debut release, Due Voci, is scheduled for a June 8 release as is a deluxe version of the album including a bonus DVD filled with behind-the-scenes footage and a special performance of "Because You Loved Me."

Warren, who has penned over 90 top-ten hits in the course of her remarkable career, including "Unbreak My Heart," "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, "Because You Loved Me," "If I Could Turn Back Time," and "How Do I Live," said that she found "the perfect voices" in the pairing of Kelly Levesque and Tyler Hamilton after a year and a half search and hundreds of auditions. "Their classic versions of my songs, along with several new ones that I've written for Due Voci, was a dream come true for me as a songwriter," stated Warren.

In tandem with the release of Due Voci on June 8, the "Diane Warren: Love Songs" PBS Special will begin airing in major markets. Guest artists include Toni Braxton ("Unbreak My Heart"), Gloria Estefan ("Music of My Heart"), LeAnn Rimes ("How Do I Live"), with special appearances by Fantasia, Patti Austin and Eric Benet along with Due Voci.

Due Voci's Kelly Levesque has performed with Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban and was a member of the Three Graces Trio. She has worked with producer/songwriters David Foster, Desmond Child, The Matrix, Trevor Horn and The Neptunes. Tyler Hamilton was a top 10 finalist on "Canadian Idol" and has performed with Katharine McPhee and David Foster.

Due Voci Tracklisting:
1. Unbreak My Heart
2. How Do I Live
3. I Could Not Ask For More
4. Because You Loved Me
5. Break
6. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
7. Would I Know
8. Can't Fight The Moonlight
9. Catch My Breath
10. Time Stand Still

PBS AIRINGS:
KCET/Los Angeles - June 5 (appearance)
KVCR, San Bernadino - June 3 at 8pm
WHYY/Philadelphia - June date tbd
WGBH - June 5 at 9pm
New Hampshire PTV/Boston - June 4 at 8pm
GPB/Atlanta - June 7 (appearance)
KERA/Dallas - June 5 at 7pm
WETA/Washington DC - June 6 at 9pm; June 12 at 8pm
Houston PBS - June 5 at 7pm and June 6 at midnight
WUSF/Tampa - June 1 at 8pm; June 2 at noon
TPT/Minneapolis, St. Paul - June 6 at 8:30pm
KCTS/Seattle - June 1 at 9pm and June 3 at 10:30pm
KRMA/Denver - June 3 at 9pm
WLRN/Miami - June 1 at 7pm; June 5 at 9:30pm
WMFE/Orlando - June 6 at 4pm
KVIE/Sacramento - June 6 at 5:30pm
OPB2/Portland - June 9 at 8pm
WFYI/Indianapolis - June 8 at 8pm

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Guitarist and composer Bill Frisell has signed with Savoy Jazz and is preparing for the release of Beautiful Dreamers - a brand new recording consisting of original compositions and reinterpretations performed along with the unique talents of Eyvind Kang (viola) and Rudy Royston (drums). Produced by longtime collaborator Lee Townsend and recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, Beautiful Dreamers captures the musical magic that's inhabited the performances of this particular ensemble since they first played live together as a trio in 2008. Frisell, a consummate artist who's garnered respect and acclaim throughout his long career, considers this to be a particularly special project. Beautiful Dreamers will be released on the Savoy Jazz label on August 31st.

Bill Frisell's artistry is legendary and he's made an indelible imprint on American music. His passionate, versatile talent transcends genres while pushing musical boundaries. He's worked comfortably within the realms of jazz, rock, progressive folk, Americana, blues and classical playing with his own hand-picked ensembles or collaborating with stellar musical peers such as Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Brian Eno, Elvis Costello, Ricky Lee Jones, Suzanne Vega and Loudon Wainwright III to name a few. With BeautifulDreamers, Bill Frisell has created one of his most personal musical statements working with Kang and Royston who engage him in seamless and stimulating musical dialogue.

Says Frisell: "I'm so fortunate having the chance to play music with Eyvind and Rudy and having an audience willing to go along for the latest adventure. I'm the luckiest guy in the world being surrounded by all these folks who have so much faith and trust in the music, helping me to make my dreams come true. " Notes Lee Townsend: "We are very pleased to be embarking on the next phase of Bill's recording career with the Savoy Label Group. Bill and I appreciate their enthusiasm for the breadth of his music and the commitment they have displayed in embracing the plan for the next few records."

Adds Steve Vining, President of Savoy Jazz: "Bill joining the legendary Savoy Jazz roster is a tremendous vote of confidence for the team here. I can't think of many musicians who have had the impact on their instrument and music in general that Bill has and we're honored to be a partner with him for many, many exciting new projects."

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

On July 20, 2010, chart-topping musician Brian Culbertson is set to release the twelfth album on July 20, 2010, simply titled XII, on GRP Records. Culbertson commemorates his twelfth release with 12 new songs that continue to reflect his broad-ranging musicality and mastery of intimate moods. The titles swing from the rapturous metaphorically rich love ballad "Skies Wide Open" (featuring Avant), the sexy bedroom baby-maker "I Wanna Love You" (featuring Ray Parker Jr.), the strings-kissed dance jam "Another Love" (featuring Kenny Lattimore) and the cool club persuader "Out On the Floor" (featuring Brian McKnight) to the slammin' attitude jam "Don't U Know Me By Now" (featuring Faith Evans), a journey through the many moods of being entitled "That's Life" (featuring Earl Klugh who co-penned it along with fellow Detroit native Parker and Culbertson), a think piece on the meaning of it all titled "I Don't Know" (featuring spoken word enchantress Natalie Stewart of Floetry), and an all-out Go-Go party jam titled "Feelin' It" (featuring Chuck Brown in addition to a comedic appearance by Sinbad). Four more instrumentals round out the album, including the lovely dreamscape "Waiting for You" and the incredibly funky "Stay Wit It" on which he takes a rippin' Moog solo.

As he started work on the album, Brian thought of yet another way to make his fans a part of the creative process in a brilliant extension of the DVD he created last year, Live From The Inside. "I decided to create a video blog to give fans a chance to watch me make the album from start to finish. Almost daily, they could watch me execute and explain every step of the process, plus see me in sessions with all of my amazingly talented friends. The response has been phenomenal with many people tuning in every day to see what I'm up to. To 'Twitter' about the project, I labeled the topic #BCXII. Someone said that would be a great title for the album, so it stuck."

Culbertson's steady stream of top albums and hit singles should come as no surprise since he began playing the piano at age 8, which he went on to master, along with the trombone, bass and drums. Growing up, he was influenced by heavy players ranging from Earth, Wind & Fire to The Brecker Brothers to James Brown.

After studying at DePaul University in Chicago, Brian released his self-produced album, Long Night Out (1994). Since that time, Culbertson has recorded on and/or produced over 25 chart-topping records on the contemporary jazz charts in musical styles that have moved from R&B throw downs to New Age lullabies. That rare eclecticism also informs the cornucopia of styles that animate this latest work, XII.

Culbertson produced all of the tracks on XII – nine alone, three in collaboration with the prolific Rex Rideout. The first single for Urban AC radio is the vocal ballad featuring Avant, "Skies Wide Open" (co-produced with Rideout) while the first single for smooth jazz radio is the Earl Klugh feature, "That's Life."

In addition to gearing up for the much anticipated twelfth title XII, Culbertson is bringing his new tour to cities around the world all summer long (including stops throughout the U.S., Japan, Germany, England and a return to the Capitol Jazz SuperCruise) and at year's end he'll join the "Dave Koz Christmas Tour" (along with Candy Dulfer and Jonathan Butler).